The Brien Center Winter 2016 Newsletter

The Brien Center Winter 2016 Newsletter

From the CEO:

I am proud to say that I fully support a statewide campaign “CEOs Against Stigma” launched by NAMI Massachusetts, the state chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The mission of the campaign is to end workplace stigma and create healthier, more productive workplaces by changing attitudes within Massachusetts workplaces by securing the commitment of business leaders. By signing onto the campaign, I will work with NAMI Mass to increase “know-how” relating to employee behavioral health. Businesses, like the Brien Center, will take a part in the campaign and utilize the information and resources of NAMI Mass—including NAMI’s “In Our Own Voice” program, widely recognized as one of the most effective anti-stigma programs in America.

I stand behind NAMI’s campaign to eliminate the stigma, the shame, and the secrecy associated with mental illness. Mental illness and addiction impact almost everyone including our family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues at work. We as a community must talk more and work harder to educate people about mental illness and addiction and de-stigmatize both. NAMI’s “CEOs Against Stigma” campaign opens up the channels for conversation. Talking openly with each other about mental illness and addiction is the best way to break down misconceptions and promote recovery and healthy communities. As Berkshire County’s primary community-based behavioral health provider, the Brien Center works every day to address the needs of our community, as well as our employees, to facilitate a better understanding about how behavioral health affects everyone, and to make sure those who are affected by mental illness and/or addiction get the support they need!